Hello and welcome to the GZero World podcast.

This is where you can find extended versions of my conversations on public television.

I'm Ian Bremmer, and today I am digging into what may end up being the most consequential month in the Middle East in many years, just weeks.

After Israel launched a war against Iran and after President Trump greenlit U.S.

airstrikes, all sides seemed eager to claim victory, or at least mission accomplished.

A sea spire is holding. But what was achieved? Iran, the clear loser of the 12-day war,

entered as the weakest player and came out weaker still.

With Hamas degraded, Hezbollah decimated, Syria toppled, and Russia distracted,

Tehran stood mostly alone.

Yet its regime can claim survival, some damage inflicted on Israel,

and at least partial preservation of its nuclear program,

though the extent remains unclear.

Nanjahou was never interested in a ceasefire, but he emerged in a far stronger position,

crippling Iran's capabilities, securing U.S. strikes on targets that Israel couldn't quite reach,

and reversing his political

fortunes at home. And as for Trump, this is the biggest foreign policy win to date of his second term.

He helped dismantle Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, avoided war, and saw no U.S. blowback.

Iran was already weakened, but Trump called the bluff, and so far it's worked.

Joining me now to break it all down, New York Times columnist and longtime Middle East analyst, Tom Friedman, thanks so much for coming back on GZero.

Ian, great to be with you.

Start with Iran. Big news, of course, in so much for coming back on GZero. Ian, great to be with you. Start with Iran.

Big news, of course, in so many different directions.

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